BATANGAS CITY – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is expected to lead the distribution of the Presidential Assistance for Farmers, Fisherfolk, and their Families to an initial 4,740 farmers and fisherfolk in the provinces of Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas, who were affected by the El Niño phenomenon, on Thursday, July 11.
In a press briefing, Jose Maria Villarama II, Task Force El Niño spokesperson and Presidential Communications Office Assistant Secretary for Radio, announced that the Presidential Assistance for Farmers, Fisherfolk, and their Families will be distributed to 82 provinces.
“The President aims to provide assistance from his office to all 82 provinces in the Philippines,” Villarama said.
Launched last May 9 in Zamboanga Peninsula, the Presidential Assistance for Farmers, Fisherfolk and their Families has provided aid amounting to Php 10 billion, which includes farming inputs and equipment.
“To date, we have distributed assistance amounting to Php10 millionin cash and in-kind worth of assistance. This includes farm equipment and farm inputs, fertilizers, seeds for High-Value crops for farmers and fisherfolk, among other equipment for aquafisheries,”
Depending on the number of beneficiaries identified by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and cross-checked with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), each province may receive between Php10 million up to Php50 million to fund the distribution of assistance.
Villarama added: “Each identified beneficiary receives Php10,000. The President acknowledges that this amount is small for a farmer whose livelihood has been damaged. However, the President emphasizes that this is seed money to help the farmers start anew,” he stressed.
Villarama clarified that while the financial assistance will be used by affected farmers and fisherfolk for their livelihoods, the beneficiaries also have the freedom to spend the cash on their basic needs.
“The President hopes that the financial assistance will be used by the affected farmers and fisherfolk to revive their livelihood.”
The official added: “However, during the peak of El Niño, many indeed lost their livelihoods, sources of income, and even food for their families. But if they use it for their food and their other needs, they have the discretion to do so.”
Distribution of aid to additional beneficiaries, entrusted to local government units, will be publicized through Facebook Live to ensure transparency.
“To ensure that the Provincial Government will be transparent in identifying [the beneficiaries], the distribution of cash aid to additional beneficiaries will be aired through Facebook Live within 30 days of receiving the fund.” (PB/PIA 4A)
